Title
Recognizing October 14, 2024 as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” in the City of Philadelphia, honoring and commemorating the achievements, traditions, and contributions of American Indians, also known as “Indigenous peoples.”
Body
WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, was established in Philadelphia on October 6, 2011, with the noble objective of acknowledging the rich history and enduring traditions of the more than 50,000 American Indian Peoples and Indigenous Migrants communities from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands, who reside within the City of Philadelphia and call it home; and
WHEREAS, The indigenous peoples of North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean Islands, “the Original Americans,” have woven rich and diverse threads into the tapestry of the heritage and history of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the City of Philadelphia throughout their history in this great land, they have faced moments of triumph and tragedy alike; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative to acknowledge the historical injustices inflicted upon American Indian and Indigenous communities from the Americas, including the largely overlooked aspect of American Indian slavery and Genocide; and
WHEREAS, The forced enslavement and land displacement of American Indians, by European settlers, represents a dark chapter in our Nation's history, with countless individuals enduring the horrors of captivity, forced labor, and cultural and land displacement; and
WHEREAS, The legacy of American Indian slavery and Genocide serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength exhibited by Indigenous communities in the face of adversity, as they not only survived this traumatic period but also continued to preserve their cultural identities, languages, and traditions; and
WHEREAS, Many North American Indians and Amerindians from, Central America, South America and the Caribbean were mis-labeled in the early 1800s through the 1900s as “Colored,” “Negro,” “Mulatto,” “Latino” and “Hispanic,” resulting in the dilution of their identities, heritage, spirituality and land; and
WHEREAS, Many have persevered through trauma and tragedy to preserve culture and traditions to be beacons of light for future generations; and
WHEREAS, American Indian culture and society have contributed to the agricultural development, medicinal discoveries, environmental preservation, commerce, governmental institutions, and structure and many other facets of our Country, State, and City; and
WHEREAS, The Lenni-Lenape, known as “The Real People,” have inhabited the land of Coaquonnock, meaning “The Land of Tall Pines,” for more than 13,000 years, making significant contributions to the City’s culture, agriculture, and history; and
WHEREAS, The influence of American Indians is seen throughout the Philadelphia region in the names of neighborhoods, rivers, and streets such as Manayunk, Allegheny, Apache Street, Aramingo, Cherokee Street, Chippewa Street, Huron Street, Juniata, Kingsessing, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Lycoming, Moyamensing, Navajo Street, Passyunk, Pennypack, Perkasie, Perkiomen, Pocono, Seminole Street, Shackamaxon, Shenandoah, Tacony, Tinicum, Tioga, Towanda, Weccacoe, Wingohocking, Wissahickon, Wissinoming, and Wyoming, among many others. Citizens of our City travel on paths created by the Indigenous Peoples for trade and hunting, including Route 611, more commonly known as “Broad Street”; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples Day commemorates the achievements, traditions, and continued contributions of Indigenous Peoples of Philadelphia, honoring their influence in various facets of our City's development, including agriculture, medicine, environmental preservation, commerce, and governmental institutions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That October 14, 2024 be recognized as the 14th Annual “Indigenous Peoples Day” in the City of Philadelphia, honoring and commemorating the achievements, traditions, and contributions of American Indians, also known as “Indigenous peoples.”
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby authorizes the Philadelphia Indigenous Peoples’ Day Flag be flown at City Hall as a sign of respect and remembrance for this day.
End